Video: Suns' P.J. Tucker ejected for blow to Clippers' Blake Griffin

The action commenced with a little more than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Clippers holding a 104-90 lead. Griffin initially backed down Tucker on the right block before drawing a double team and kicking out to Matt Barnes, who launched an open jumper. As the shot missed, Griffin leaned into Tucker in an attempt to establish rebounding position and the two players fell to the ground as they locked up, with Griffin pancaking Tucker in the paint.

As Griffin moved to free himself, Tucker swung his right forearm toward Griffin, making contact with Griffin's head or neck area. Griffin's head snapped backward and he immediately looked to reengage with Tucker, using his left arm to shove him, before players from both teams and the officials rushed in to separate the two players.

"[I] just got pulled to the ground and I guess he didn't like that," Griffin said during a post-game interview that aired on Fox Sports West. "I don't know, I haven't really seen it, I haven't really looked at it, it's hard to tell while it's happening."

The top-down replay appeared to indicate forceful, direct contact from Tucker to Griffin.

P.J. Tucker delivered a blow to Blake Griffin. (NBA TV)

After reviewing the exchange, the officials assessed Tucker a loose ball foul and a technical foul before ejecting him for the blow. He departed with 14 points (on 3-for-5 shooting), 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals on the night.

As with any punch or punch-like motion, Tucker's play will be subject to a review by the NBA league office, which can assess an additional fine or suspension. Given recent punching precedents -- like DeMarcus Cousins, Ersan Ilyasova and O.J. Mayo -- there's a good chance that Tucker will be suspended for at least one game and hit with a fine. Phoenix's next game is at home against Cleveland on Wednesday.